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“The Church, in her wisdom, has given us wonderful times to pull us back and say, ‘Now, you need to prepare and focus, because this is going to be happening.’ This is a time to make those improvements. If you’ve gone off the path or gotten into a rut, it’s time to shake yourself out of it.” — Lynette McArdle, Director of Religious Education 4
or lifelong Catholics, there are probably many things that come to mind when thinking of the season of Lent — from ashes on your forehead, to fish on Fridays, to fasting and making other acts of penance. And while Lent this year will be a little different from normal, it is still an opportunity to step outside of our “normal,” and take time to refocus on what truly matters — our relationship with Christ and His Church. This year, St. Peter Catholic Church hopes to encourage this pursuit in a variety of different ways, beginning with the Lenten Experience. Materials will be available after all Masses on Feb. 13-14, the weekend before Ash Wednesday. This year, the resource selection will be limited due to gathering restrictions. The materials available are for parishioners to take home and use to enhance their faith and spirituality during this holy season. Director of Religious Education Lynette McArdle works hard to ensure that there is something for everyone, regardless of age or where they are on their journey of faith. “I hope that people find something that they’ll use,” Lynette says. “I hope it draws them closer to the Lord, even one tiny step. “The Church, in her wisdom, has given us wonderful times to pull us back and say, ‘Now, you need to prepare and focus, because this is going to be happening,’” she adds. “This is a time to make those improvements. If you’ve gone off the path or gotten into a rut, it’s time to shake yourself out of it.” Throughout the season of Lent, there will be several different opportunities for parishioners to deepen their faith, including our parish retreat, on February 20th and Stations of the Cross every Friday. These special events invite parishioners to embrace this special time in the Church year, preparing their hearts for the celebration of Easter, the high point of our faith as Catholics. “Our focus in Lent is to take our time, to step back, and focus on what’s important,” Lynette says. “We are
